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This impressive outdoor living history museum tells the story of Gaelic settlement in Cape Breton. It was rainy and a bit foggy on the day of our visit, but we found it only added to the ambiance. All of the villagers were dressed in period costumes and provided first-person narration of stories and experiences appropriate to the time. They were clearly knowledgeable and passionate about sharing their Gaelic culture and identity, and it felt like we had travelled back in time and were visiting these characters in their own homes. Many of the villagers were also fluent Gaelic speakers which added to the authenticity of the experience. There is also a nice gift shop providing an opportunity to purchase some of the items that are actually made by the villagers. Of course the changes required due to Covid meant that we couldn't partake in sampling some of the goodies that emerged from the warm ovens, but the wonderful aromas wafting through the air enhanced our overall experience. We would highly recommend a visit to this unique and fun museum!…
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Date of experience: July 2020
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we went in oct to visit this site... the weather was horrid. raining sideways type of thing.. we found the staff very unhelpful. showing the signs of the weather i think.. our guide was not attentive at all.. the site is not for the faint at heart... the guide would not keep pace with the majority of the group.. the climb is stressful when the conditions are not ideal. when the guide stopped to explain something, there was no thought at all about the weather. trying to listen was a chore and very concerning.. we went to the first hut. very smoky and lots of add ons to our group. we were shoved to extremities of the hut when more folks showed up.. when we left the add ons stayed with the group making it even more difficult to keep up.. we abandoned the tour shortly after and went on our own... there should be a means of transportation other than steep climbs.. like a horse and wagon.. just saying.…
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Date of experience: October 2019
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We visited this open air museum on a cruise ship coach tour and were not disappointed. Only down side is that we could have stayed longer! Lots of interesting buildings from the past with equally interesting guides in each building. They are dressed in their period costumes and stay in character all the time. The buildings have been cleverly transported from elsewhere and re built on this site:- farm houses, a school, shop, lumber yard and much more. Well worth a visit. A nice café and shop too. Everyone was very friendly and helpful.…
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Date of experience: September 2019
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Response from MaxMacDonald, Public Relations Manager at Highland Village
Responded Nov 7, 2019
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to write about your experience. We have a dedicated staff who take pride in telling the story of Gaelic settlement in Nova Scotia. We will pass along your kind comments to them.
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This was part 2 of a tour we went on through Holland America. It was very education about the Scottish people starting in the late 1700's - 1920's. They stay in character as you go through the home and times.
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Date of experience: September 2019
1 Helpful vote
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This is a place for those who are interested in history, especially of Cape Breton. Most of the buildings are original and have been transported from their original position. Even hearing stories of moving them on barges and up that hill were impressive.The doscents were all dressed in traditional costume and were fabulous in their knowledge of the period of time that they represented. I loved seeing the women cooking on the orginial stoves and thinking about how difficult life must have been for them. Possibly the most poignant was the first dwelling, as it would have been back in Scotland and why they were about to migrate. My only issue with the site is that people with any walking issues might find the initial steps, the hill and the stone paths difficult to manage.…
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Date of experience: September 2019
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